Happy Birthday Kids

Morning!  While most of America is celebrating Independence Day I am thankful that today is a dual celebration for me.  Rudy & Mora are one year older, now 6.  That’s still young for a cat and they both jump, run and play just like they did when I brought them home when they were 3.  They have matured a little bit and I have noticed some subtle changes.  Both of them show every sign that they are happy, safe and loved as well as love me.  I am so thankful for them.

Last night just as things were winding down chaos erupted.  Work called they had a power blip and the stupid card system freaked out and wasn’t working.  That meant I had to go in, so no supper for me. 

I was there from 6:30p until 9:20p.  I wracked my brain tried everything I knew.  Threw up my hands and placed a service call to a vendor.  I recapped everything for my team and closed up shop and was about to head out.  I took one last look and I power cycled something that I had done before but not by it’s self.  Turns out that was the secret and damn if everything didn’t come back to life.  I made my rounds to test every door to confirm everything was working and it was.  I was both pissed off and happy at the same time.  I had to log back in, send emails to tell everyone that things were back to normal and cancel the service call.  Then for good measure before I left for good I made one more round to test and everything is still working.  People think that I am some kind of wizard because I can make the system sing.  Perhaps I am smarter than I am giving myself credit for but it all feels like dumb luck to me. 

At least now I can exhale and hopefully enjoy my time off.  I just logged in to confirm things are still working just because I want to be extra sure. 

That was not how I planned on spending my evening and I hated to be away from home for so long but much more driving home in the dark.  As I got close to home I hit something on the freeway, not sure if it was an animal or what.  I looked down for a split second to change songs and when I looked up there was a ball like figure that came flying at my front tire.  Just about the time I sluffed that off I was on the exit ramp and a opossum was rolling around in the lane, it had obviously been hit and was dying but I didn’t want to hit it.  It probably would have been the right thing to do but something about killing an animal just doesn’t sit right with me.  I thought about the poor thing out there suffering as I continued on my drive home.  The image of seeing it is seared in my memory and I wish it would leave. 

Once I arrived home my furry friends greeted me and I passed out their overdue treats.  I had a donut and some milk that was my so called supper.  Watched the news which I never do at night and it was filled with depressing stories so I moved over to YouTube.  Got stuck down a rabbit hole watching video after video and soon it was 11:30p.  I got up took my sleeping meds and brushed my teeth.  I was still very amped up but close to 1a I finally got drowsy and fell asleep. 

I told Rudy that I wouldn’t want to get out of bed come morning.  He took that into consideration and did his best to rouse me at 6a but I resisted and he just camped out on top of me.  My body naturally woke me up closer to 7a and Rudy was right there and he sprung to life.  Making his biscuits, licking my forehead and so happy.  We cuddled a little bit and then I got up.  Gave a little attention to Mora who was at my feet.  Then made my way to the kitchen to get breakfast for them. 

I got a shower and put on a pride flag shirt that I normally wear on the 4th, but I noticed the shirt wasn’t fully clean so I had to scrap it and put on something else.  Not what I wanted to do.  Headed out for breakfast and had what I call Patriotic French Toast.  It was Strawberry, Blueberry with whip cream on top.  Red White and Blue. Pretty good too and I had some eggs to go with it. 

After eating I hit up the post office and then the car wash, saw a hot guy working at the car wash.  Then filled up my tank and came home.  What an expensive holiday morning this has been. 

Looking very forward to seeing my friends this afternoon.  Lord knows I have plenty to yap about. Tomorrow afternoon I plan to return to the buffet for lupper hopefully I will time it just right so that I can enjoy a little lunch and then some supper.  I am mainly interested in their BBQ Pork but the sloppy joes and fried chicken sound really good as well. 

I am so glad that I am done with work for 5 days, just like I knew I wouldn’t want to get out of bed this morning, I know I won’t want to go back but I need the money.  It’s been quite the long week and I hope to enjoy this little break.  Perhaps I will see a hot guy, ask him out and life will just fall into place.  Hey no charge for dreaming!

Thanks for coming along on the ride as I document my life.  I know you’ve probably noticed there was no eye candy this week.  I plan to remedy that soon.  Right now I think it’s time to take off my clothes, bask in the quiet and take a nice morning nap.  Both cats are napping and nothing makes me drowsy quite like watching a cat sleep. 

In case your wondering no neither of them have used their birthday present.  They get in it and once it moves they freak out and jump out.  I do think it was a waste of money.  I could disassemble it and send it back but that is more work than just eating the financial loss.  Besides that maybe just maybe one day they will use it as it was intended.  Once again no charge for dreaming. 

Take care, be safe and stay cool.  I look forward to our next chat. 

Cat Treadmill

Morning!  Things got really busy yesterday afternoon.  That acquisition I spoke of turns out things are heating up and they had to let the cat out of the bag so my co-worker knows now.  There was a conference call we had to join and I asked most of the questions.  I kind of put him on the spot and asked him to speak up, he said a few words but nothing of meaning.  I know he’s shaking in his pants right now.  He always freaks out and stresses when we have to onboard a large group of people.  However, this one will be the largest between the two of us that we have done.  I have done something close to this by myself but I think that this will be an all time record for me as well.  Sounds like things will be heating up next week, glad that I took two days off.  God forbid if I was out of commission they would be so screwed.  Guess it’s a good thing they got me.  Here’s hoping we can move past this quickly. 

There is another clusterfuck on the horizon next month and yet another in the distance that I suspect will be approaching as we near the end of the year or start of next year.  I don’t look forward to either of these but like past clusters I will survive, just might not be happy but I will make it.  Business does some awful dumb things. 

Ah well, bossman is on his vacation and won’t be back for a little over a week and that will be a nice vacation hopefully for me not having to hear his voice.  He added us to an existing project so I now have conference calls to join weekly and the sound of the voice of the lady who runs the call makes me want to cut off my ears.  Her voice is like nails on a chalk board and she sounds ditzy.  I dread any voice contact with her.  I’m not a fan of my bosses voice either but between the two of them his sounds way better. Another meeting on my calendar just what I didn’t need. 

I got so involved with work that I totally forgot about the cats present.  I was able to wrap up and head up around 3p.  Rudy was in my lap when the FedEx truck pulled up and he perked up and watched the driver like a hawk.  He was really interested in what the man was doing.  Rudy didn’t make a sound but I watched his eyes get very large and his head move around so he could see a bit better.  He never left my lap the whole time. 

I went to grab the package off the porch and it was heavier than it looked.  I estimate it was around 30 pounds.  I grabbed a knife and sliced it open.  Almost got Mora in the process, she loves to get in the way.  Thank God nothing bad happened.  Anyway I opened it up and of course I had to put it together.  Well me and assembly required are words that usually don’t mix.  This looked simple enough it’s just plastic that snaps together.  Very rigid plastic.  It took me a little bit but I got it together.  The cats were more interested in the box and the liner of the treadmill.  Eventually I was able to get it all together, put the liner in.  Gave it a spin and the cats came over to inspect it.  They weren’t thrilled about the spinning.  They both think that it’s a scratching post and have used their claws on it.  Rudy has fallen asleep in it twice.  I still have a little hope left but I honestly think I wasted my money on this.  Rudy continues to play with the box it came in more. 

Both cats are pretty smart so I am hopeful that they will catch on eventually to what it does and how they can use it.  I am glad that I didn’t pour in hundreds of dollars for this or it would be going back. 

Watched a movie on Amazon last night called According to Otto.  It sounded interesting a boy coming out to his family.  It was kind of a rom-com and I wish I would have watched something else but it was a way to pass the evening. 

Had the BBQ Pork and for once I didn’t gulp it all down.  I’ve got some saved and thinking of having it for lunch.  I’ve got Spaghetti next up for supper. 

I’m thinking that today should be a little bit more relaxing than yesterday or so I hope as things wind down for the holiday weekend.  I am sure a lot of people took the day off.

Looking forward to seeing friends tomorrow and hopefully it won’t be terribly noisy come night time.  People have already started with fireworks but they start around 9 or 10p.  I am sure that it will be noisy around here for a couple days.  The police scanner will be busy as well playing America’s favorite annual game.  Is it gunshots or fireworks? 

Today is also the last day that some people will have 5 fingers or possibly two hands, because they didn’t know what they were doing with fireworks.  I like watching the commercial shows but have no interest in consumer grade fireworks or what neighbors play with, just don’t set my house or yard on fire.  I don’t think that’s asking too much. 

Hope it’s a great day for you.  Take care!

Sort of like taking the day off

Morning!  Ah, yesterday was almost like I took the day off.  I had a little bit of work in the morning and some sprinkled in here and there in the early afternoon.  However, for the most part once the meetings were out of the way it was almost like I had the day off.  I spent a lot of time away from the computer relaxing.  I watched TV and lounged with the cats, even took a nap or two – brief as they were.  The phone never stops going off, although I did manage to make a whole hour with no email which is pretty rare during the work day. 

I anticipate that today will be largely most of the same.  I have a mid-morning meeting.  My morning work little as it was is done.  Unless something comes rolling in I am pretty well done for the day and it’s only 8a.  Not bad at all.  I will enjoy and savor as much away time as I can get. 

Yesterday I learned that we made an acquisition and soon I will be super busy onboarding a large bunch of people.  Sadly I will have to share the load with my mistake making colleague which will sort of lighten the load on me but I would much rather do the whole thing myself because then I would know it is done right.  I apparently have earned enough respect that I got the inside scoop for once.  I wanted to tell my mistake making colleague so he could be prepared but bossman said not to it’s a super secret for now but that won’t last terribly long.  Bossman seems to think that it will take me and the mistake maker out of commission for a couple weeks.  I think maybe a few days to possibly a week at most.  Apparently he still has no clue as to how efficient I am and how I can plow through tasks like a hot knife through butter.  Yeah I get a little overwhelmed but I get the job done every time without fail.  I only pray that there is enough time planned when the big dogs are planning on a deadline.  I am not super excited by the news but kind of pleased that I have the inside scoop and I actually knew before my boss did. 

Last nights dinner was nothing I planned on.  Chips, Cheese and Sour Cream.  Then I had a French Toast Fritter to help cool off my mouth.  Tonight I am having that BBQ Pork that I bought.

Watching TV and kind of bored last night.  The phone rang and of all people to call me it was The Police.  Apparently they thought there was some mix up with my ride along paperwork and they were calling to apologize and see if I was still interested in a ride along.  Honesty is the best policy, especially when your dealing with the law.  I told the guy that I had a ride along, when it was and that I was extended the opportunity to come back because my experience was cut short.  I told the gentleman that I was highly considering scheduling another one because there wasn’t a whole lot of action the first go round.  He said to give them a call if I was interested in a second go round and that I cleared the situation up for him.  Working nights he wasn’t able to communicate with the others involved in the process which explained the call.  Hindsight being 20/20 now I should have just had him set something up for me.  The call was a complete surprise and something that I never imagined I’d get.  I thought for sure he was calling to give me some bad news, even though I know that is typically delivered in person.  I kind of held my breath at the start of the call. 

I got in a little bit of play time with the cats before bed.  Rudy looked at Mora spinning ball toy like he wanted to play with that.  I gave it a spin and she heard it.  She came running up as if to say what are you doing, that’s mine.  She watched us but Rudy wouldn’t touch the toy.  Mora and I played a bit as she kept a watchful eye on her toy.  I passed out some cat nip when they both lost interest and that kept them both occupied and I was able to retire for the evening. 

It’s been a little bit cooler here and the AC hasn’t been running quite as much but all good things must come to an end and as we get closer to the weekend the humidity will return and things will heat up once again.  Just as long as the sun shines for most of the time I have off on my extended weekend I will be a happy camper, despite not liking it super hot.  The AC in the car feels so good with the heat beating down it’s like that perfect mix of salty & sweet. 

Grabbing my phone (aka electronic leash) and heading up to relax until I am needed or meeting time rolls around.  It feels a little extra sinful knowing that I am being paid more while I am loafing.  However, I think of all of the sweat I poured in and all of the shit I have been through and I realize that I have earned every penny of what I am being paid.  Truth be told I am probably slightly underpaid but I’m not rocking the boat on that one.  I will just keep on keeping on. 

Stay cool, hydrated and be well.  Have a pleasant day!

Memories & Money

Morning!

Glad that Monday is out of the way.  It was a long day for me.  Today will be a little bit of the same.  Yesterday was so long because I had a lot of idle time and that should prove to be the same today or so I hope.  I enjoy taking a break from the screens, heading upstairs to be with the cats. 

Supper last night was left over Chinese food, which was combination house fried rice.  I added a little bit of hot sauce for some flavor.  As per usual Rudy bothered me and wanted some of it while I was eating.  I looked at him like I always do and say what’s a matter do you smell your cousin?  Unamused he jumped down and stormed off.  Mora didn’t bother to beg.  The answer has been and always will be no.  My food is mine and I don’t share with cats.  I rarely share with people. 

Bossman sent me an invite yesterday for a quick call to talk about my pay raise.  That call just happened and I got a 4% raise which is one of the top raises that you can get.  I’ve gotten a little bit more in years past but I am pleased with this pay increase.  I’m sure that taxes will gobble some of it up.  I am debating about adding some of this to my 401K, perhaps splitting it down the middle and taking a 2% raise for myself to live off of and giving the other 2% to my 401K.  Last year I pushed my entire raise to my 401K.  I could easily do the same as I am not struggling with what I am making but I like to see at least one pay check with the raise on it before I make any changes.  As per usual I was told to keep up the good work and that I am doing a great job. 

I forgot to mention that Sunday night I hauled out my photo collection and browsed through old pictures from trips we took as well as some childhood photos that were mixed in.  I got to see all of my family and it was kind of nice.  I got some laughs and memories came flooding back.  I’ve been wanting to do this for a while but kept putting it off.  Much to my surprise I found a nude of me.  This was back in the day when you had to take your film to a store for them to develop it.  I was just as shocked to find it as I was when it came back.  Normally those photos would not be included.  Looking over all of those photos just makes me want to take a trip but it’s not quite as much fun to travel alone.  I found an old email where my late spouse detailed an itinerary for one of our trips.  I was AOL back then and so was he.  It was a nice find as well, now I see why I hung on to it.  It was printed on a dot matrix printer.  Ah memories.  What a life.  I saw this house when it was in better shape and one of our favorite trees that a lighting strike took out. I could go on and on but time to get back to reality. 

We have a bit of a cool down in the weather still hot but not as humid.  Hopefully the AC will run a little less.  This place felt like a freezer yesterday regardless of where I was at.  The cats seemed to enjoy it and soak up the cool air. 

Well I think I am going to take a break while I can and escape to be with the cats before it’s time to come back to meeting city.  There are a couple later this morning and one this afternoon.  Then all I have to do is survive tomorrow and the boss is on vacation for a bit.  Hip Hip Hooray!

Take care and keep cool.  Talk with you all again soon!

Not a good start :(

Hi and welcome.  As you can gather by the title today is not starting out well for me.  Minor trivial stuff but it all kind of adds up. 

The biggest disappointment is that Banana Guide went offline.  This is a site where I could get a sneak peak by way of photos of the latest gay porn.  The scenes that appealed to me I saved the photos since they were free.  The studios released the content as teasers to entice people to visit.  The site also had discounts on gay porn.  I started my day off looking and downloading photos.  This morning when I went to visit the bookmark I got a note saying the page went off line due to many age verification laws across the US.  I’m sure that it makes some lawmakers happy but lots of guys like me will be disappointed.  I’ve looked for an alternative site but no luck.  If you know of a similar site feel free to leave it in the comments.  For clarity they only had photos which is all I am looking for. 

Next disappointment was that I tried to access my work laptop and it still showing offline despite my visit over the weekend to reboot it and ensure it was back online.  Not sure if something went haywire after I left or if there was a network change made so that I can no longer access it.  Unfortunately this means that I need to make another trip over to the office.  I’ll get there over the weekend to see if I can’t get this sorted out. 

Tried a new Chex cereal Strawberry & Vanilla for breakfast.  It was pretty good.  Not a hard smack of flavor its subtle but still good. 

I saw a suggestion in a YouTube clip of something to try.  Vanilla Ice Cream, drizzle a bit of Olive Oil and sprinkle with Sea Salt.  It’s supposed to be good.  Not sure if I will ever try this because the ice cream is the only thing that I buy periodically.  I have no need for the other items.  If you have them feel free to give it a try and let me know if it’s as good as the clip on You Tube says it is. 

Enjoyed my Mexican food last night, played on the computer a little bit when I got home but I was quick to get back upstairs since I spend most of my week in front of these screens.  Glad that I am no longer on call that is about the best thing that has happened thus far on this Monday. 

Got a meeting at 10a for a cluster of a project that will be kicking off soon.  It’s gonna be a huge mess but this is one of those things I have to go along with.  It’s kind of unnecessary and a large waste of time and money but thankfully for me it only impacts me on the time side.  Not looking forward to this at all.  Other than this it should be a fairly quiet and easy Monday. 

Glad that it’s a short week if only by 1 day.  Looking very forward to the weekend and having 5 days off, I know come next Wednesday I won’t want to go back.  I see there is a premier of the new Superman movie next Tuesday but it’s later in the evening.  I’m not a Superman fan but I hear that the movie is packed with stars that I have an interest in and therefore I kind of want to see it.  It’s one of those things that if I see it great and if I don’t well eventually it will make it’s way to my home TV screen but it will take longer. 

Here’s hoping your Monday is off to a better start than mine.  Take care, stay cool and hydrated.  Talk with you all again soon!

Average Sunday

Hey there, welcome in!  Last night I took 1/2 of a muscle relaxer and I did it early so that the drowsiness would hopefully hit me early.  I laid on the heating pad and searched for something to watch.  Oddly enough I watched The Day The Earth Blew Up.  It’s a new cartoon movie with Donald Duck and Porky Pig.  Not something I’d normally watch but it was on HBO and it caught my eye.  I scrolled social media a little bit but mostly paid attention to the movie and the cats. 

When that was done I turned the heating pad off and brushed my teeth.  I wasn’t feeling super drowsy so I took my sleeping pill.  Then back to TV and about a half hour later I was ready for bed.  I climbed in and off to dream land I went. 

Strange dreams are an unpleasant side effect of the muscle relaxer and I had a few.  Woke up around 5a and used the restroom.  Rudy thought it was breakfast time but I assured him I was going back to bed.  I woke up around 6:30a and told my Amazon Echo to set an alarm.  Rudy sprung to live when he heard my voice, certain that it was time to get up and he tried to rouse me but I told him nope I need a bit more sleep.  He let me be and I realized that if I didn’t force myself that I would easily lay there for hours and when I did get up I’d be mad because the morning or most of it would have slipped by. 

A short time later I got out of bed and passed out breakfast for the cats.  Then got ready and headed out the door for breakfast.  Not before I told Echo to cancel the alarm.  I’ve forgotten it before but always been home when that happened.  I’d hate to leave and have it go off, the cats would be bothered for sure. 

Had my usual Strawberry French Toast and Eggs.  I threw in an order of sausage links.  Not sure why but the links cool off way too fast, faster than the eggs.  It was good and it helped me wake up a bit more. 

Hit up the grocery store and found a very interesting item.  French Toast Fritters.  I couldn’t pass them up.  I’ve already had one and they are pretty good.  Warm one of those up and I think it would be quite delicious.  I got them as something to enjoy with breakfast but I know there will be a serious sugar crash. 

I am working on finishing up laundry.  Passing time until I go out for supper.  I was all set to visit a local pizza place but Mexican actually sounds more appealing to me so that is what is what I will be eating.  It means a little longer drive but that’s okay. 

Talk with you all again soon.  Be well. 

Free Chair

Hey there, hope all is well.  I got my massage last night and she didn’t quite get the knots out.  It’s like they were teased just enough to start hurting again.  Hopefully, in a couple days things will calm down. 

I had some issues with sleeping last night.  I opted to eat breakfast at home, saves a little bit of money plus helps to get rid of some cereal and donuts.  Got a shower and had time to lounge with the cats before I left for a while. 

Made it to my haircut appointment, I was early but the barber was running late.  I don’t get that how you make an appointment for a specific time but yet the person your seeing is running behind.  This is true with most professional people like doctors, lawyers and such.  I was raised to always be early or at the very least right on time.  Apparently that went out of style.  It’s true at work for meetings as well. 

Speaking of work that was my next stop.  My laptop was powered on but I don’t know why I couldn’t connect to it.  I gave it a reboot and logged into it to find out where the free chairs were.  Way in the back were the office chairs.  Everything else was just regular end table or conference room chairs.  I snagged a mismatched Aeron Chair by Herman Miller.  There were 3 of them and I picked what I felt was the best of the bunch.  It was a little bit of a task getting it out of the building – into my home and finally to it’s resting place in the basement.  However, I made it. 

The cats are confused why it’s here, it’s not like there is a chair shortage.  However, if it helps my back and tailbone feel better then it’s worth the small hassle I went through to lug it around.  Right now Rudy is sleeping in my all leather former desk chair.  As long as the claws don’t come out I think we will be good. 

Don’t think I mentioned it but I ordered a cat wheel as a birthday present for the cats.  It should arrive next week.  I sure hope this wasn’t a waste of money and that they will actually use it.  I think and hope they will be super pleased and use it a bunch. 

I am still thinking of the buffet from last weekend but I’ve settled on Chinese food for tonight.  I’ve been wanting it for a while and the lyrics of some song I listened to on the drive to the office made me think of it.  I am really looking forward to it.  I will probably hit the buffet up next weekend. 

Tomorrow I am thinking of Mexican food but I may change my mind.  For sure I am looking forward to breakfast out, that’s my favorite meal by far. 

It’s not a whole lot cooler outside but the heat isn’t quite as intense as it has been.  More rain is on the way.  Not exactly what I want to see but I know it’s necessary. 

Watching the clock because it will be time to head out for food soon.  Take care and be well. 

Friday Yap

Morning and Happy Friday!  Temperatures are predicted to drop a little bit here so we get a little bit of rain and some what of a cool off, although it will still be hot out just not as hot as it’s been. 

Spoke with bossman yesterday and he knows the details on my pay raise but said that he’s not authorized to tell me just yet.  He did share that he was able to get the max for me, which is something I hear every year.  I take that line with a grain of salt but once I hear numbers I know if it was a truthful statement or a lie.  He didn’t share what date he could tell me and I didn’t press on that.  Hind sight being 20/20 I wish I would have.  Otherwise our conversation was as it usually is a waste of time. 

I was able to take a little bit of a break yesterday before I finished up the day.  The cats were happy that we were all in the same room.  Rudy bugged me early for food and I gave in.  Mora did the same thing with treats and I also gave in.  Then they both passed out like logs I had a couple hours of peace and quiet to myself. 

I napped at lunch a bit too long because it interrupted my sleep and I was up early this morning.  Also had some very strange dreams.  Glad that I woke up and am back to reality now. 

Enjoyed a decent breakfast with some Cinnamon Chex, a banana and a donut.  Might not be 100% healthy but sure was delicious.  Cats were a little calmer this morning than usual. 

Got my massage this evening and my muscles have calmed down but I do feel some knots.  I hope that we can get those worked out and bring total calm to my back, if only for a couple days. 

I have a haircut booked for tomorrow morning.  Thinking about making the trek to the office.  I powered off my laptop last time I was there and didn’t realize it.  Plus it’s about time to flip the calendar over to July.  Otherwise I really don’t have a reason to go in.  I might talk myself out of it but probably not.  They are having a pizza party today as if pizza was enough to lure me in.  Add in some male strippers and I’d be there but that will never happen.  Good for a laugh though. 

Still thinking about the buffet and the BBQ I had last week that was so good.  I want to make a trip back this weekend but I am on call.  If something came up while I was out I would be sunk but I might take the risk.  If not I am sure that I will find some place to visit locally and lord knows I won’t go hungry!

I hope you have a great weekend that the weather is nice in your neck of the woods and you can relax and unwind.  Take care.

Two mornings in a row

Hey there, welcome in.  This morning I woke up to the same thing I was greeted with yesterday morning, no internet.  I saw the red light flashing on my kitchen WAP (Wireless Access Point) and that was my sign that the internet was out.  Magically by rebooting the modem things came back to life just like yesterday.  For good measure I cycled my router as well.  In the hopes that tomorrow morning things will be different.  If this keeps happening I am inclined to think that the modem is going south and will get a replacement.  However, I really don’t want to do that unless it’s absolutely necessary.  Activating a new modem is not an easy task, like it should be.  I usually wind up having to call someone at the cable company and I just despite calling any large company.  The hold time, telling them your issue, getting transferred or having to jump through unnecessary steps to get them to do what you need them to do. 

Watched a Queer As Folk reunion show last night, that was entertaining.  I do miss that show, I am glad that I was young enough to watch it week by week year by year as it aired.  I’ve got the full collection on DVD so I can re-watch anytime I want to.  It was truly a groundbreaking and game changing show.  Me and my late spouse would scramble to make it to the basement sometimes with snacks and other times not.  It was part of a Sunday routine for us and we both look forward to it and enjoyed it very much.  It was quite the surprise to see the reunion appear in my You Tube feed, glad it did.  For once the algorithm got something right. 

I was listening to the police scanner last night and wow, it was one traffic accident after another.  Until I turned it off.  That is not unusual for the way people drive around here.  Some thing that a red light is a mere suggestion that you should STOP and they blow right through intersections.  That’s usually how it happens but not always.  I’ve learned to look before I move from a stopped position, just because the light turned green doesn’t mean it’s safe to proceed.  I get that people are in a hurry but jeez if you wreck your not only messing up your day but someone else’s day too.  Vehicles can always be replaced but people can’t be and we have had quite a few fatal accidents. 

Bossman is traveling today but we still have a call for this afternoon.  I don’t really have anything to talk about other than trying to find out about my pay raise.  I am hopeful for a calm rest of the week. 

Speaking of meetings that all hands meeting yesterday, it was announced as I expected we are still making money hand over fist.  Looks like it’s going to be another record breaking year.  That’s good news for me since we have profit sharing, even if I only get a couple thousand dollars it’s free money!

The cats are doing well, seems like both of their coats have gotten a bit darker since they have been sunbathing.  Sometimes Mora appears to be darker to me than Rudy.  They both love their time with me and I enjoy giving each of them a little attention.  They got into it last night with each other.  Rudy started it as usual and Mora finished it.  They are all back to normal good terms this morning, until the cycle repeats again. 

I had a little bit of awake time last night/early this morning.  I just laid in bed and tried to go back to sleep.  Rudy came up to check on me and when I reached out to pet him I think it caught him off guard.  He let me pet him and then dashed away.  He returned a little bit later and I didn’t move, then he climbed on top of me.  I think he checks to see if I am asleep sometimes before he decided to climb on top of me and hang out until I wake up.  He’s quite the unique cat and I really hope he keeps up his morning routine because I enjoy waking up to see his face.  Mora is usually close by but not always.  I greet her as soon as I see her. 

Enjoyed 1/2 of the burrito last night and looking forward to the other half tonight.  I kind of wanted the other 1/2 last night but talked myself out of it.  Polished off the chocolate cake instead. 

Hope you had a great day and that today is even better.  Take care!

Man Candy - Summer Fun

The land of confusion

Hey, hope all is well.  Last night was a little dramatic for me.  Part of my job involves onboarding and offboarding people or in simpler terms turning access on or off.  I got a note that someone was leaving in the afternoon and it’s kind of unusual for people to leave the same day the notice is published but it does happen.  I got some clarification on timing and was told to turn them off at the end of the day.  Well time zones play into this and it was way later here.  Still I complied with the request.  An hour later when I am starting to wind down my phone starts to go bananas.  I see all of these emails from people who are confused and say that this person shouldn’t have been turned off.  Then I jumped on a couple calls to get further clarification.  This is quite the awkward position to be in and honestly in all of the time I have been doing this I have never been asked to turn someone back on after I have turned them off.  However, there is always a first time for everything and I was told to turn them back on.  I don’t know how you can confuse Tuesday with Friday but that’s apparently what happened.  The person is leaving on Friday.  I got them all turned back on and it was a little bit of a scramble.  Then I talked with the person and explained things and all was well. 

Nothing like having an adrenaline rush while trying to get ready for bed and then ultimately fall asleep.  I was so pumped it was crazy but eventually the rush went away I was able to focus on some TV and the cats decided to fight a little bit.  I was in bed within my normal window and asleep shortly there after.  I didn’t enjoy the confusion and it was quite frustrating.  However I can assure you that if I was the one who made the mistake someone would be there to BBQ my ass. 

Woke up this morning to no internet.  That meant fighting with my desktop computer to connect to my phone (using it as a hotspot).  Eventually I got it to work which is more progress than I have ever made before.  I was about to head up and grab my laptop which has no issues connecting to my phone.  Ah technology when it works as designed it’s great but those times when it doesn’t it’s no so much fun. 

Well I wound up exposing myself when my home connection came back to life.  My phone reverted back to WIFI instead of staying on a carrier signal and now the logs at work show that I am working from home today, which is a day mandated to be in the office.  I’m not calling any attention to it just moving on like I normally do every other Wednesday. 

I know it’s only mid-week but I am so out of gas and tired.  Last night did me in.  Then once I got connected I had a bunch of crap to wade through but finally got a break.  I hope that things stay calm but I have a feeling that the calm might be over. 

Got a meeting with the boss and then an all hands meeting this afternoon to find out how the company is doing.  I am sure that were raking in money hand over fist and all is well.  Both of these meetings could probably be summed up in a quick email but some people just like to yap.  In case you haven’t figured it out I am not a huge fan of meetings.  However, on those rare cases where they are actually productive and you glean some insight they can be quite useful but that only seems to happen once in a blue moon.  Most of the meetings I go to are time wasters and quite boring. 

In other news, I finished off the pizza last night and was quite full.  I ate a bit more than I should.  I could have easily made the left overs last another night but was eager to move on.  Tonight I have a Burrito to slice into and tackle.  I will divide that in half and make two meals out of it.  Still working on the Cannoli Chips & Dip as well as a piece of Chocolate Cake left over from last week. 

We got a couple pop up storms last evening but they didn’t last long and really caught me off guard.  Some other folks weren’t so lucky yesterday a transformer blew and left a lot of people in the dark, not good anytime but especially in the extreme heat.  Glad that wasn’t us. 

Ho hum I guess it’s back to beating the old drum so off to work I go because I owe, I owe, I owe.  Take care of yourself.  Stay cool & hydrated.  Talk with you all again soon!

Hot Summer Day

Well, Monday is behind us.  Hope it wasn’t too bad for you.  Mine was actually okay.  It wasn’t a super busy day but there was some work to be done.  By 3:30p I was able to head up and get logged in from my laptop to keep a watch on things at work.  Thankfully, nothing surfaced and my day was done. 

My YouTube feed is a little jacked up but it’s slowly working it’s way back to normal.  Search for one thing and watch one video and the algorithm thinks it found a new interest of yours so it rearranges things.  Anyway I saw a 20/20 Episode that looked appealing so I tuned in.  Not sure if your familiar with the case of Blaze Bernstein, he was murdered in 2018 by a classmate because he was gay (and also Jewish).  The story started off and I was like yeah I remember this.  Then I saw more recent updates for how the case turned out.  His killer was convicted.  Technology helped to solve the case more specifically Snap Chat as well as cell phone tracking.  It was still heartbreaking to hear the details play out and I felt so bad for Blaze and his family.  He died a horrible death and based on what I know from watching a lot of crime drama, his classmate was more than likely in love with him.  Poor kid just entered college and had his whole life ahead of him. 

After that was done I wasn’t sure of what to watch.  Wound up watching a if you grew up in the 70’s video.  They talked about some familiar things like Fruit Stripe Gum, Orange Tupperware, Iron on Patches, and TV Stations signing off for the night among other things.  It was interesting and made me wonder if my brother kept the Tupperware we grew up with or if he threw it out.  That was some good stuff and we ate a bunch of meals served in Tupperware.  Ah to be young again. 

The cats were extra hyper last night.  I fed them supper early and got my supper early as well.  I figured that would calm them down but it only served to rev Mora up.  She goes nuts in the time that lapses between supper and treat time.  She bugs me and does her level best to grate on my last nerve because she knows if she does that I will give in and they get treats early.  Well, it worked and then they both were out like lights but not before having some playtime of their own chasing each other around the house.  They both have a birthday coming up next week and I am already talking to them about it. 

I started feeling a little more lousy as the evening wore on and I was really dreading waking up this morning because I figured that I would be ill.  However, I turned off the ceiling fan, slept pretty good and woke up feeling okay.  I think there is still some bug in me but it’s working it’s way out.  I will be turning the fan off at night, that is normally what gets me.  I slept with it on for a month and no issues which is why I figured that I out grew that but apparently that’s not the case. 

I’ve got 3 days of interaction with my boss and I am not thrilled about that at all.  We have meetings today and tomorrow.  Then our useless check in call on Thursday afternoon, which is a waste of time.  However, I hope that maybe he has information on my pay raise, fingers crossed.  It’s about that time where we get that information.  Although in years past we have had to wait until mid to late July.  I’m only working for the money like most people. 

Grass crew showed up and mowed the lawn.  I haven’t gotten a bill from them in months and when it finally hits it’s gonna be big.  Thankfully I have money set aside automatically each month so I don’t miss it.  I like to settle my bills as quickly as possible I don’t like things lingering.  Don’t get me wrong I hate sending money out the door but I am so thankful that I have it to send.  I remember the rough times where I had to scrimp and hold my breath and barely squeaked by.  I much prefer not having to worry about it. 

Another hot summer day as time marches on.  I just think in a few months how cold it will be outside and we will be wanting it warm again.  Shame we can’t have it just right where it’s comfortable for everyone year round – the power company would hate that.  Just imagine though not having to use heat or ac on a regular basis, sounds like some kind of utopia to me. 

Thanks for stopping by, hope all is well.  Take care!

Ok Sunday

Morning and welcome in. 

Sunday was an okay day, still very hot outside.  I woke up early and took care of morning tasks.  Came home and lounged/napped with the cats.  Then got up and tackled the rest of the day.

I found the Cannoli Chips & Dip at the store, tried it last night it’s pretty good. Doesn’t taste anything like any Cannoli I have ever had but still it’s good. 

Went to the pizza place known to have the hot guys on staff, but I only saw one or two walking around for a quick second.  Still I changed up my pizza order and got a meat lovers.  Wow it was really good. 

Watched TV and chilled with the cats last night.  I got in some brushing and the most important of all claw trimming.  Mora fought me but Rudy was more relaxed, until he realized what I was doing which I was about done and then he put up a little bit of a fight but it was really for nothing. 

Here we are back at Monday.  I am on call again, yuck!  I woke up not feeling well.  My neck was hurting and I felt like I was starting to get sick.  I have had a slight cough for about a month now.  It’s occasional and not persistent but still like all cough’s I have had before this one I just want it to go away.  Got a Charlie Horse about an hour before it was time to get up and I sprung out of bed.  Rudy thought it was time for breakfast but I told him we still had time left.  He cried for a minute but then climbed back on top of me and we went back to sleep. 

Once I got up and had breakfast I started feeling a little more normal but now that the AC has started up I am freezing and ready to go back to bed.  I hate to bail on the day considering I did that last Monday so I am going to try to stick it out.  However if it gets too bad I will certainly jump ship. 

We are stuck in a heat wave all week long and relief won’t come until next week, which I suppose is good timing for the Independence Day (aka 4th of July) Holiday.  Looking forward to that and a couple days off as well. 

Here’s hoping all is well in your world.  Take care!